90  
El Esteco ‘Don David’ Reserve Malbec 2017
Calchaqui Valley $16.50 (483263) 14.0% alcohol
You’ll find a beautiful cocktail of ripe fruit aromas—purple plum, blackberry and raspberry— plus a hint of milk chocolate in this purple-shaded malbec. The aroma profile replays on the palate with delicious fresh flavours complemented with light baking spice and vanilla notes. This is medium-bodied with mellow tannins and well-integrated alcohol, offering a medium-long, tangy, fruit-forward and spiced finish. Pair with gourmet burgers. (Louise Boutin)

87   
Henry of Pelham Pinot Grigio 2018
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (250217) 12.0% alcohol
There’s an ever-so-slight orange hue in the glass while aromas of honey-drizzled pear and melon set the table for a smorgasbord of tang-infused citrus flavours—lemon, grapefruit and lime—decorated with hints of currant and pomegranate. It’s light-on-its-feet and brimming with mouth-watering acidity. Pour alongside olive-oil dressed arugula greens with crumbled chèvre or freshly shucked oysters under a squeeze of lemon and dotted with Tabasco® sauce. (Vic Harradine)

89  
Henry of Pelham Pinot Noir 2018
VQA Niagara Peninsula $16.95 (13904) 12.5% alcohol
The price-quality balance tips wildly in your favour in this wine. Delicate aromas of floral notes, red berry fruit and leather can be coaxed from this 100% pinot noir. It caresses the palate with sweet-tinged fruit—red cherry and bramble berry—interwoven with soft acidity and whispers of piquant spice. It’s light-medium weight with good mouthfeel and a balanced and beautiful finish and aftertaste. Pour with duck, chicken or turkey and all the fixings. (Vic Harradine)

89  
Mascota Vineyards OPI Chardonnay 2017
Mendoza $11.95 (406934) 13.5% alcohol
This medium-bodied, slightly oaky chardonnay presents with nice citrus and vanilla aromas. It flows easily on the palate with fresh flavours of green apple, lemon, nice pithy grapefruit and nutmeg notes persisting in the pleasing warm dry finish. The oak treatment adds just enough weight while preserving the vibrant fruit profile of this delicious chardonnay. It’s an excellent patio sipper or a perfect companion to quiche Lorraine. (Louise Boutin)

88 
Mascota Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Mendoza (292110) $15.50 14.0% alcohol
Aromas of blackberry, black currant and plum infused with hints of spice and grilled herbs lead to flavours of ripe dark fruit balanced with notes of baking spice and dusty cocoa on the palate. Dry, medium-full bodied with supple tannins and well-integrated alcohol, plum and blackberry flavours endure through the mid-length finish. Enjoy this good-value Cab with grilled burgers. (Lisa Isabelle)

88 
Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2017
Marlborough, New Zealand $16.95 (415745) 12.0% alcohol
The majority of the grapes in this refreshing sauvignon blanc come from the Wairu Valley with the balance from the Awatere Valley. It’s light-gold in colour with aromas of grass and fresh carrot and parsnip on the nose. This is medium-full bodied with nice crisp acidity and a slightly sweet sensation that carries flavours of gala apples and pear. The finish is long and tangy. It’s well paired with herb-poached halibut. (Dave Isaacs)

88 
Trapiche ‘Pure’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Uco Valley (572120) $16.05 13.5% alcohol
This fruit-forward cabernet sauvignon offers aromas of dark plum, blackberry and cassis with hints of green bell pepper, fresh herbs and spice. Dry, medium bodied with fresh acidity and apparent tannins, juicy dark fruit, savoury herbs and graphite flavours bathe the palate and are enjoyed into the medium-long finish. Pair this interesting, unoaked cabernet sauvignon with grilled beef and vegetable kabobs. (Lisa Isabelle)

89 
Trapiche ‘Pure’ Chardonnay 2018
Uco Valley (572987) $15.00 13.0% alcohol
Subtle, delicate aromas can be coaxed from the glass with apple, pear and citrus notes prominent. It bathes the palate with a clean refreshing splash of citrus—lemon and lime—along with hints of tropical fruit and ripe pear. This is light-medium bodied with surprisingly good mouthfeel—it saw not a splinter of oak—good balance and a clean, crisp finish and aftertaste. Pour on its own as a delightful sipper, or pair with lighter-styled appetizers. (Vic Harradine)